Stutsman Dentistry

MOST PARENTS ARE TOLD GRINDING IS “NORMAL.”
But what if your child’s nighttime teeth grinding is actually a sign that their body is working harder to breathe while they sleep?

At Stutsman Dentistry, we often hear parents say:

🗣️ “My child grinds their teeth, but we were told they’ll grow out of it.”

While some children do stop grinding as they get older, persistent grinding can sometimes be a clue that there’s more going on beneath the surface.

When a child falls asleep, the muscles that help support the airway relax. If the airway becomes restricted, the body may respond by activating the jaw muscles and shifting the jaw position to help maintain airflow. In some children, that response can show up as clenching or grinding.

🚩 If your child grinds their teeth, also watch for:

• Mouth breathing
• Snoring
• Restless sleep
• Night terrors
• Bedwetting
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Crowded teeth
• Frequent cavities
• Difficulty focusing or attention concerns
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

The teeth are often not the problem—they may simply be revealing what the body is trying to tell us.

At Stutsman Dentistry, we take a whole-body approach to dental health. Our airway-focused evaluations help identify potential concerns with breathing, jaw development, and sleep before they become bigger challenges.

Early intervention can make a significant difference in supporting healthy growth, development, sleep quality, and long-term health.

📞 574-533-8934
🌐 www.stutsmandentistry.com
📍 1801 Charlton Ct., Goshen, IN 46526

Have you noticed your child grinding their teeth at night? Let us know in the comments or schedule an airway screening to learn more.

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🦷 YOUR CHILD’S FACE MAY BE TELLING YOU SOMETHING IMPORTANT

Most parents notice crooked teeth. Few realize that the way a child breathes can influence how their face, jaws, and airway develop.

When children breathe through their noses, the tongue naturally rests on the roof of the mouth, helping support proper jaw growth, facial balance, and a healthy airway.

When children consistently breathe through their mouths, we may see signs such as:

👄 Lips open at rest
😴 Snoring or restless sleep
👅 Low tongue posture
🦷 Crowded teeth or narrow dental arches
😮 Long, narrow facial growth patterns
👀 Dark circles or tired-looking eyes

These signs don’t necessarily mean something is wrong, but they may indicate that your child’s airway and facial development deserve a closer look.

At Stutsman Dentistry, Drs. Chad and Danielle Stutsman take a whole-body approach to oral health and include airway-focused evaluations to help identify concerns early. Early intervention can support healthier jaw development, improved breathing, better sleep, and long-term wellness.

If you’ve noticed your child:
✔️ Mouth breathing
✔️ Snoring
✔️ Teeth grinding
✔️ Restless sleep
✔️ Crowded teeth
✔️ Difficulty focusing
✔️ Dark circles under their eyes

…it may be time for an airway evaluation.

📍 Stutsman Dentistry
1801 Charlton Ct.
Goshen, IN 46526

📞 574-533-8934
🌐 www.stutsmandentistry.com

Pro-tip: Using a straw when drinking sugary or stain-causing beverages can help minimize contact with your teeth and support a healthier smile. Small habits like this can make a big difference in protecting your oral health over time.